Vol. 3, No. 16 April 25, 2012

“Providing global contracting support to war fighters.”

By Lt. Col. Martha BrooksECC Public Affairs Office

Brig. Gen. Theodore Harrison accepted the reigns of the U.S. Army’s Expeditionary Contracting Command in a change of command ceremony April 20 at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Carol E. Lowman, executive director, U.S. Army Contracting Command, presided over the ceremony. The outgoing commanding general, Brig. Gen. Joseph L. Bass, is going to the office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement in Arlington, Va., where he will serve as the director of contracting. “Success has a great deal to do with experienced leadership. When we look at the ECC’s accomplishments over the past few years, it’s apparent that Brig. Gen. Bass’s leadership skills contributed vastly to the growth of the command and the expeditionary capability in the Army,” Lowman said. “Under Joe’s leadership, the ECC has matured into a world-class organization.” Harrison is no stranger to ECC having served as the commander of the ECC’s 410th Contracting Support Brigade, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. “I have known Ted for a long time and we worked closely together when he was the 410th commander and I was at the Mission and Installation Contracting Command,” Lowman said. “Ted is highly respected and understands, promotes and values teamwork. He brings with him great insight, energy and enthusiasm.

“He is technically astute and brings a common level of understanding and purpose to the Expeditionary Contracting Command,” she continued. “He understands our procurement processes and practices as well as our problems and challenges. He understands the demands of the war fighter and the importance of cultivating relationships with the combatant commands.” Prior to assuming command of the ECC, Harrison served as the director of the National Contracting Organization, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Harrison said he is excited to rejoin ECC.

“I’m very impressed with what ECC has accomplished since I left two years ago,” Harrison said. “Working with our trusted partners in the ACC enterprise we will train capable and professional contracting teams and support the nation’s war fighters with expert contracting support around the globe”. ECC, an ACC subordinate command, plans and executes contracting support for U.S. Army service component commanders in support of Army and joint operations and installation operations overseas.

ECC welcomes new commander

Expeditionary Responsive Innovative

Photo by Larry D. McCaskill

Carol Lowman, executive director, U.S. Army Contracting Command, passes the U.S. Army Expeditionary Contracting Command flag to the incoming commanding general, Brig. Gen. Ted Harrison.

April 25, 20122

By Bob Van Elsberg Strategic Communication Directorate U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center Fort Rucker, Ala.

I looked in the rearview mirror and couldn’t believe my eyes. There, maybe a car length and a half behind me, was a woman doing her eyebrows. She appeared to be using a mirror attached to her sun visor. I couldn’t believe it. We were doing 55 mph in afternoon rush hour traffic in Kansas City, Mo. I marveled as I watched her in the mirror, angling her eyebrow pencil. She obviously had one eye focused on the mirror; I could only hope she was watching me with the other. Then it occurred to me that if I had to suddenly hit the brakes she could easily poke her eye with that pencil or, worse yet, never slow down and hit me from behind. Obviously, distracted driving isn’t a man or woman thing — how many times have you watched anyone, regardless of gender, eat, shave, do their hair, read, play with a laptop or find other things to occupy their time behind the wheel? Is it that driving has become so boring, or maybe some folks are just trying to be masters of multitasking? Here are some distracted driving tips from Farm Bureau Insurance to keep you on the straight and narrow: Change your ways and recognize the activities that distract you, such as eating, talking on the phone or changing a CD.

Once you recognize these distractions, you can work to eliminate them. Make a plan. Know your route in advance and make sure you clearly understand your directions. Check the weather and road conditions. If you’re traveling with children, ensure

they are properly buckled up and you have items to keep them occupied, such as books on tape or soft toys. Manage your time so you don’t have to multitask or drive aggressively on the road. Don’t let your drive time become your downtime. Driving isn’t the time to catch up on phone calls, personal grooming or dining. Scan the roadway to ensure you’re aware of others at all times. Be prepared for other drivers to

be unpredictable. Concentrate on your driving. Make sure you’re not upset or tired when getting on the road. This is not the time to have a serious or emotional conversation with your passengers. Pull over in a safe place if you need to do something that will take your eyes and/or mind off the road. Reduce the use — use technology sensibly. Take a refresher class. Everyone can pick up bad habits through the years. A driver improvement course can raise your awareness and help you assess your driving behaviors. Buckle up, every trip and every time. For more information on distracted driving, visit https://safety.army.mil.

U.S. Army Contracting Command Executive Director Carol E. Lowman

Office of Public & Congressional Affairs Director Art Forster

Public Affairs Team Chief Ed Worley

Editor David San Miguel

The NewsBlast is a weekly newsletter authorized and produced by the U.S. Army Contracting Com-mand’s Office of Public and Congressional Affairs editorial staff in accordance with AR 360-1 (The Army Public Affairs Program) to inform, educate and en-tertain the ACC community on people, policies, op-erations, technical developments, trends and ideas of and about the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army and this command. The views and opinions expressed in this publica-tion are not necessarily the official views of, or en-dorsed by, the U.S. government, the U.S. Army or this command. Send submissions and correspondence to the Of-fice of Public and Congressional Affairs, ATTN: Editor, NewsBlast, 3334A Wells Road, Redstone Ar-senal, AL 35898-5000. Telephone: (256) 955-7634, DSN 645-7634 or email at acc.pao@us.army.mil.

Visit the Army Contracting Command Safety office SharePoint page at:

https://acc.aep.army.mil/Safety/default.aspxfor a safety message on distracted driving.

Too busy to drive?Army safety center offers motorists

driving tips

A message from ECC commander

Brig. Gen. Ted Harrison, the new commanding general, Expeditionary Contracting Command, introduces himself to the command.

Click on the image above to view the video message.

35898.Telephonemailto:acc.pao@us.army.milhttps://acc.aep.army.mil/Safety/default.aspxhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzd899WtIQ0&feature=youtu.be

By Larry D. McCaskillACC Office of Public & Congressional Affairs

One of more than 26,600 participants in this year’s Boston Marathon, Col. Jeff Gabbert maintained one simple thought throughout the 26.2-mile trek through the historic Massachusetts city – finish the race. No stranger to running marathons, the U.S. Army Contracting Command chief of staff ran his first marathon because of some in-house ribbing. In 2008, while serving as the Defense Contract Management Agency Iraq/Afghanistan commander at Camp Victory, Iraq, word came down about the first Camp Victory marathon and his lack of participation. “I told everyone I was going to run the half marathon,” he said before discovering a petition was circulating throughout his command addressing his effort. “It read, ‘we the undersigned believe that if you only do half the marathon, then perhaps, you are only half a commander.’ Needless to say it was game on from there,” said Gabbert, whose longest run up to that time was 10 miles. With only three weeks to train, he began his regimen and soon competed in his first marathon, finishing in 3:49.Since then, he’s run in the Rocket City Marathon in 2009, putting in his fastest time of 3:28, and in the 2010 Boston Marathon, finishing in 3:31. “Running a marathon is not a race, but a long and hard journey of commitment,” said Gabbert, whose competitiveness is both internal and external. “From the moment you make the decision to run a marathon there is no doubt you will face adversity and factors out of your control.” Gabbert said his marathon training regimen is 18 weeks long and includes running more than 750 miles as well as lifting plenty of weights. “Pumping your arms for three and a half hours straight is a tough task,” he explained. Gabbert said competing in a marathon takes one part perseverance, one part commitment and one part dedication. “There is a pattern to what goes through my mind during a marathon. I start off with talking to myself about things like monitoring my pace and sometimes slowing myself down,” said Gabbert. “Then, I try to think through the challenges currently confronting me in life. When I reach hills, I tend to think of the technique involved to continue with a steady effort head and shoulders up. See MARATHON, page 5.

April 25, 20123Mental, physical pain won’t stop marathon man

Photo courtesy of the Boston Marathon

Despite sustaining several injuries preparing for the marathon, Col. Jeff Gabbert, ACC chief of staff, finished the race with a time of 4:44:05.

“From the moment youmake the decision to run a

marathon there is no doubt you will face adversity and factors

out of your control.”

O

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.–Alabama A&M University named Army Contracting Command’s associate director for Small Business Programs as a finalist for its diversity award. The award winner was announced during the 12th Annual Black Tie Gala April 12. Alice Williams was one of three finalists for the award. Lee Rosenberg, Missile Defense Agency, won the award. Williams said she was honored to represent ACC and its emphasis on diversity. “Having been in the (Huntsville) community for not quite a year, I was both surprised and honored to be nominated for such an award,” Williams explained. “I share this recognition with the ACC family for all the hard work we do in promoting a very diverse workforce.” Her nomination said she “is committed

to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce, and doing business with diverse suppliers. Her success in meeting the needs of her organization requires the full and active participation of talented and committed individuals regardless of our differences. Embracing individual uniqueness brings creativity and vitality to the Army Contracting Command.” The diversity award recognizes an individual, company or organization that contributes to diversity and inclusion initiatives. These are defined as organizational programs, activities and individual efforts designed to promote and

support differences in people and society, that may include race and ethnic origin; gender, physical abilities, religious beliefs, age, education, sexual orientation; and/or other perceived differences within or for Alabama A&M, its students and the community it serves.

April 25, 20124Spotlight on...

Alice WilliamsAlabama A&M recognizes ACC employee

Alice WilliamsAssociate Director, Small Business Programs

U.S. Army Contracting CommandRedstone Arsenal, Ala.

Anonymous Email Program The Commander’s Anonymous Email Program is set up so employees can voice their concerns or ideas freely and confidentially.

Concern/Suggestion: Small Business Program PolicyResponse: Thank you for your inquiry regarding Small Business Policy. There are various small business programs offices throughout the Army that carry out different functions depending on the focus of the command. The Office of Small Business Programs at the headquarters level provides oversight, surveillance and guidance of small business policies and programs, whereas OSBP field or agency offices have a closer working relationship with

the contracting activities and perform more of the day-to-day operations. The Army Contracting Command OSBP was established pursuant to the Small business Act of 1953 (Public Laws 83-163 and 85-536). This act is in compliance with a congressional mandate that government should counsel and assist small business and small disadvantaged business concerns. The overarching policies that all OSBPs follow can be found in the FAR Part 19, DFARS Part 219, and the DoD Directive 4205.1. The ACC OSBP also supplements these comprehensive policies with its own concept of operation and strategic plan. Part of the function of the OSBP is

to implement small business program goals and maintain small business statistical data in order to monitor progress and achievement. While the ultimate responsibility for meeting assigned small business goals falls with the agency head, all contracting professionals are held accountable through their performance evaluation as well as how well they implemented plans to successfully reach assigned command goals. Small business professionals stand ready to assist the small business community. For additional information, contact your local small business office staff or the ACC OSBP at (256) 955-5719.

https://acc.aep.army.mil/Pages/Anonymous.aspx

Spotlight submissions must include the linked form and a high resolution photo (300 dpi). Click on the icon for the submission form.

https://acc.aep.army.mil/Pages/Anonymous.aspxhttps://acc.aep.army.mil/Pages/Anonymous.aspxhttp://www.acc.army.mil/files/SpotlightForm.pdf

“During the rough periods, I think of those that I have dedicated the run to and repeat the mantra - this is not about you,” he said. “When it gets really tough, I think of my Dad who taught me to slow down, but never quit.” Because of the 84.8 degree temperatures at the start of the race, marathon official extended a never before option of allowing participants to sit out this year’s marathon and run next year instead. More than 5,000 runners accepted the offer. More than 2,000 runners didn’t make it to the finish line this year. Suffering from piriformis syndrome, a neuromuscular disorder that causes pain, tingling and numbness in the buttocks and descending down the lower thigh and into the leg, no one would have faulted Gabbert for pulling out of this year’s Boston Marathon. So when the starting pistol for the 116th Boston Marathon exploded, wearing number 12156, Gabbert began this year’s 26.2-mile adventure. Crossing the finish line at 3:06 p.m., his time of 4:44:05 was more than an hour off his desired time, but quite an accomplishment considering the pain and sweltering heat. “I run them simply because I can. The day is quickly approaching when these knees will no longer take the long-distance road runs. Again, I started because of the challenge of my troops. Then, I caught the bug and began to chase entrance into Boston,” Gabbert said. “I have dedicated each marathon to someone close to me or a cause. Due to several injuries I sustained training for this marathon, I dedicated this run to all the wounded warriors who can no longer run.”

April 25, 20125

Expeditionary Contracting Commandwelcomes new general on Redstone ArsenalBy Kenneth KesnerThe Huntsville Times (Published April 21, 2012)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- “Contract” doesn’t have the black-tie connotations or carry the diplomatic weight of “treaty” or “accord.” But contracts are what get the work done and have become valuable resources for U.S. commanders in Afghanistan and other countries, said Brig. Gen Theodore “Ted” Harrison.

http://blog.al.com/huntsville-times-business/2012/04/expeditionary_contract_command.html

MICC program offers acquisition career road mapBy Daniel P. ElkinsMICC Public Affairs Office (Published April 18, 2012 by the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center)

Officials at Fort Sam Houston, TX, have developed an Acquisition Workforce Civilian Leadership Development Program, offering contracting professionals a structured, detailed road map for career management.http://live.usaasc.info/access-micc-program-offers-acquisition-career-road-

map/

$30B in Army contracts available for small businessesBy Lindsay HockerQuad-Cities Online (Published April 12, 2012)

People can learn more Tuesday about a multibillion dollar U.S. Army contract program with set asides for small businesses. The meeting, the first of two about the Enhanced Army Global Logistics Enterprise program, is from 8 to 10 a.m. at DHCU Community Credit Union, 1900 52nd Ave., Moline. The second one is May 15, also 8 to 10 a.m. at the Moline DHCU.

http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=588814

Street’s Corner Barges In on River Parade Float By JT StreetFox 29 San Antonio – Top Stories

Somehow, JT Street managed to sneak his way onto the Fort Sam Houston float at the Texas Cavalier’s Fiesta River Parade.  Be sure to watch Fox News First Wednesday morning for the full story!

http://www.foxsanantonio.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/vid_10027.shtml

MARATHON continued from page 3

These articles include mention of the Army Contracting Command.

ACC in the News

http://www.al.com/huntsville/http://blog.al.com/huntsville-times-business/2012/04/expeditionary_contract_command.htmlhttp://blog.al.com/huntsville-times-business/2012/04/expeditionary_contract_command.htmlhttp://www.foxsanantonio.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/vid_10027.shtmlhttp://www.foxsanantonio.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/vid_10027.shtmlhttp://www.facebook.com/USArmyContractingCommandhttp://www.flickr.com/armycontractingcommandhttp://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1900835www.armyhire.comhttp://www.twitter.com/ArmyContractinghttp://www.youtube.com/ArmyContractinghttp://www.acc.army.milgplus.to/ArmyContractingCommandhttp://gplus.to/ArmyContractingCommand